Stalemate Continues As Tories Twitch

On the 65th Anniversary of the Allies' victory over Adolf Hitler in Europe, the three main party leaders were seen standing together at the official ceremony in London: but a coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives is looking less likely. The next meeting between their two teams will not take place until 11am on Sunday, and David Cameron will be meeting all Conservative MPs on Monday 11th for talks about the latest developments.

Until the Lib Dems refuse to make a deal with the Conservatives, it is the latter who will dominate proceedings: but the fact remains that Nick Clegg is still very much the kingmaker. He has also received the offer from Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party, to form what would effectively be an anti-Tory government. However, this has been attacked by the Labour Party.

With talks supposedly not having an impact thus far, the situation is worrying for the Tories: the longer the talks drag on, the greater the chance they will break down the pressure of public opinion. Faced with the possibility of a severe backlash from his own supporters if he agrees to a deal, Nick Clegg will be mindful of the fact that he does not have to agree to anything if the Conservatives do not make enough concessions.

The Evening Stanners suspects that such concessions would have to include a referendum on the first-past-the-post system, as well as Cabinet positions for both Clegg (who could become Home Secretary) and Vince Cable (who might be offered the role of Business Secretary). One sarcastic observer on Twitter has suggested that the Lib Dems should be eligible for tax breaks if they enter into a "marriage of convenience" with the Tories.

It will be quite some time before we know who the next government will be: but with talks dragging on, the chances of a Con-Lib coalition are looking slimmer by the hour. If nothing is declared by Monday, expect Cameron to be looking rather unhappy. He is living the nightmare: and with no sign of a breakthrough, and Norman Tebbit foaming at the mouth, it could take a turn for the worse.

The Evening Stanners